Flushable urinary device for directing urine into a toilet from a standing user

ABSTRACT

Flushable urinary device for directing urine into a toilet from a standing user comprises a flushable funnel. The funnel helps prevent urine-splatter on and around the toilet and improves hygiene. The user holds the funnel at his or her urethra and directs urine into the toilet. Then, the user drops the used funnel into the toilet and flushes the toilet. The funnel, made of flushable and bio-degradable material, disintegrates in the sewer system. The material is configured to retain its substantial strength and shape temporarily when wetted. The funnel has tail or lip adjacent one of its ends to help hold the funnel. The funnel may be of different suitable shapes, sizes and materials. An apparatus, placed on water tank of a toilet, contains a supply of the funnels for users. The apparatus also stores extra flushable funnels and toilet paper rolls.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/368,208, filed on 2012 Feb. 7, and claims priority benefit thereof. This application claims priority benefits of the National Phase applications provided in form PTO/AIA/14 (12-13).

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

None

SEQUENCE LISTING

None

BACKGROUND

1. Field

This application relates to a flushable urinary device for preventing urine-splatter on and around a toilet during urination from a standing user of the toilet.

2. Prior Art

The usage of urinals is a known method to urinate in most public restrooms. However, most residences and many commercial places do not offer the convenience of urinals. Therefore, toilets designed to receive human waste from a sitting position are also used for directing urine stream from a standing position. In the process, however, urine splatters on and around the toilet, no matter how careful the users may be. Many women, out of no choice, direct urine into a toilet from standing position to avoid germs and the mess on the toilet seats in public restrooms of airports, theaters etc. The urine splatter results in a non-hygienic condition and requires additional cleaning on and around the toilet. There is a solution needed for this problem.

Several attempts have been made in the past to combine a urinal and a toilet. U.S. Pat. No. 6,408,449 issued to Aguirre (2002) disclosed a toilet assembly in combination with a urinal. Most existing bathrooms do not have the extra space required to add a urinal. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,230 issued to Corbin (1997), and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,412,408 and 3,500,480 issued to Michal (1968 and 1970 respectively), urinal attachments for toilets were presented. These urinal attachments require skilled personnel to install them. They incur extra expenses and inconveniences. Other prior art devices include U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,822,419; 4,137,579; 4,180,875; and 4,750,219. There are female urinary devices also designed for use from a standing position. U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,225 issued to Beck et al provides a non-flushable female urinary device. All these prior art devices for urinary use of toilets are not flushable. Also, they have not solved the problem of urine splatter to any degree of satisfaction. A pressing need exists in the art for a practical, effective and affordable prevention of urine-splatter. The present invention is very affordable, hygienic and is a simple solution to prevent urine splatter on and around the toilets. The deficiencies associated with the prior arts and conventional urinals are not present with the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A flushable urinary device for directing urine into a toilet from a standing user comprises a flushable funnel. The funnel has an inlet end, an outlet end and a passage between the two ends. The inlet end is adapted to register with the outlet of urethra of the user. The outlet end is adapted to direct urine into the toilet. A plurality of walls forms a passage between the inlet end and the outlet end of the funnel. Urine is directed from the standing user into the inlet end of the funnel, flows through the passage and exits the funnel through the outlet end and flows into the toilet. The funnel is made of a bio-degradable material configured to retain its substantial strength and shape temporarily when wetted. The funnel includes at least one bendable tail portion adjacent a portion of one of the ends. The tail portion forms a handle to be grasped by the user. The funnel has transitory surface water repellency to at least one surface of the funnel without impairing the ability of the funnel to be disposed of by flushing. The funnel material may have a minimum wet strength resin selected from a group comprising melamine formaldehyde, urea formaldehyde, and a neutral cure wet strength material. The funnel may be tapered between the inlet end and the outlet end. The funnel may be part of a nested stack of the funnels. The nested stack may be placed on a cardboard core. There may be a protrusion forming a lip extending outwardly and around one of the ends of the funnel around the plurality of walls. The lip is configured to hold the funnel in place. The funnel may have the inlet end as the same size as the outlet end. An apparatus is provided for supply of the funnels for the user. The apparatus stores extra funnels and toilet rolls. The apparatus has at least one fastening device on its exterior for attaching the apparatus to water tank of the toilet.

A method for directing urine into a toilet from a standing user comprises the step of providing a supply of the flushable funnels. Each of the funnels has an inlet end, an outlet end and a passage between the two ends. The inlet end is adapted to register with outlet of urethra of the user. The outlet end is adapted to direct urine into the toilet. A plurality of flushable paper walls forms a passage between the inlet end and the outlet end. Urine is directed from the standing user into the inlet end, flows through the passage and exits the funnel through the outlet end and flows into the toilet. The funnel is made of a flushable and bio-degradable material configured to retain its substantial strength and shape temporarily when wetted. The method steps further comprises removing a funnel from the supply of funnels and suspending the funnel relative to the toilet to provide a path for urine from the standing user into the toilet. Then, urine is directed into the suspended funnel to channel the urine into the toilet. The suspended funnel is then released allowing the funnel to drop into the toilet. Flushing the toilet flushes away the dropped funnel. The funnel may be suspended by a tail portion. The funnel may be suspended by a protrusion that forms a lip extending outwardly and around one of the ends of the funnel. The funnel may be suspended by deploying a movable arm. The movable arm will be returned to a stored position after urination.

Thus, the flushable funnel is a novel, unique and very useful device to prevent urine-splatter on and around a toilet. The device is very affordable compared to alternatives like traditional urinals.

The splatter-preventing flushable urinary device alleviates deficiencies of prior arts and provides further benefits including:

-   -   (a) Prevents urine splatter on and around a toilet.     -   (b) Keeps the toilet more clean and hygienic.     -   (c) Reduces splashing and embarrassing sounds of urine stream.     -   (d) Easy to place and easy to use.     -   (e) Requires no additional floor space or plumbing work.     -   (f) Reduces use of toxic cleaning chemicals.

DRAWINGS Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the flushable funnel having a smaller inlet end, a larger outlet end and a reverse tapered passage between the two ends.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the flushable funnel having an even square inlet end, outlet end, and a straight passage between the two ends.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the flushable funnel having a larger inlet end, a smaller outlet end a tapered passage between the two ends.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the flushable funnel having an even triangular inlet end, outlet end, and a straight passage between the two ends.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the flushable funnel having an even round inlet end, outlet end, and a straight passage between the two ends.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a plurality of reverse tapered flushable funnels with a smaller inlet end and a larger outlet end placed in a nested stack.

FIG. 7 shows a standing user removing a flushable funnel from a supply of the funnels.

FIG. 8 shows a standing user directing urine into the flushable funnel to direct urine into a toilet and therefore preventing urine-splatter on and around the toilet.

FIG. 9 shows a standing user dropping the used flushable funnel into the toilet and flushing the toilet.

FIG. 10 shows a female standing user directing urine into a toilet with a flushable funnel having a protrusion that forms a lip at the larger inlet end.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the flushable funnel having a protrusion that forms a lip at the larger inlet end.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a cardboard core which is to be used to hold a plurality of tapered flushable funnels place in a nested stack.

FIG. 13 shows a partial enlarged view of the tapered flushable funnel held in a hand by a user at the protrusion that forms a lip at the larger inlet end of the funnel.

FIG. 14 shows a partial enlarged view of another embodiment of the tapered flushable funnel held in a hand by a user with the tail portions that form handles at the larger inlet end of the funnel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments may be best described by reference to the drawings. Disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. As disclosed in Applicant's prior application Ser. No. 13/368,208, the flushable funnel may be of different suitable shapes and sizes including, but not limited to, square, round, oval, rectangular, or polygon. The funnel may be made in suitable lengths to suit different sizes of toilets. The different suitable shapes and sizes signifies that the walls of the flushable funnel may be flat, curved, tapered upward or tapered downward. The tapered funnels may be stacked in nested stacks. Tubular shaped funnels may be stacked in regular stacks. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5 and 11 are some different shapes and sizes of the flushable funnel. The funnel is comprised of an inlet end, an outlet end and a passage formed by a plurality of flushable paper walls. Additionally, the funnel may have at least one tail adjacent a portion of one of the ends. The tail forms a handle to be held by a user or a funnel dispensing apparatus. The funnel may have more than one tail to form additional handles. The funnel may have a protrusion that forms a lip around the larger end of the funnel to enable the funnel to be held in a place. This place may be a funnel dispensing apparatus or a hand of a user. The funnel is to direct urine into a toilet from a standing user, male or female. The funnel helps prevent urine splatter on and around the toilet by user directed use of the funnel. The user keeps the inlet end of the funnel at the outlet of his or her urethra and the outlet end of the funnel above the middle of the toilet and directs urine into the toilet. After urinating, the user drops the used funnel into the toilet and flushes the toilet. The biodegradable funnel breaks down in the sewer system.

The materials of the flushable funnel may be compounds or papers having a wet strength and temporary water repellency while retaining the property of being flushable. The funnel retains its substantial strength and shape temporarily when wetted. Such papers can be manufactured. For example, an invention in U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,171 presented a paper product suitable for applications requiring wet strength and water repellency while retaining the property of being flushable. The invention in U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,171 may be used in its entirety for manufacturing the flushable funnels. The invention in U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,171 is directed to a coating composition for application to a flushable cellulosic based waterleaf sheet to impart transitory water repellency to at least one surface of the sheet. The funnel paper may have temporary wet strength resin, such as melamine formaldehyde, urea formaldehyde, or a neutral cure wet strength material. Furthermore, the funnel may be strong enough to withstand force of a urine stream from a user. The funnel may be moderately slippery so that it may slide out easily from a stack of the funnels placed around a cardboard core. Different methods may be used to manufacture the funnels.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a flushable funnel 15. The funnel 15 has a smaller inlet end 16, a larger outlet end 17, and a passage 19 formed by a plurality of reverse tapered flushable paper walls between the two ends. The funnel 15 may include at least one bendable tail portion 27 adjacent a portion of the inlet end 16. The tail portion 27 forms a handle to be held by a standing user of a toilet or a funnel dispensing apparatus. The funnel 15 may have additional bendable tail portion 27 extending outwardly adjacent another portion of the inlet end 16. The user may hold the funnel 15 by the tail portions 27 and direct urine into the funnel 15 to channel the urine into the toilet. After the use, the user may drop the funnel 15 into the toilet and flush the toilet. The funnel 15, made of biodegradable material, disintegrates in sewer system. The funnel 15 helps in preventing urine-splatter on and around the toilet. Multiple funnels 15 may be stacked in a nested stack. A funnel 15 may be removed from the stack when needed.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the flushable funnel 15. The funnel 15 has a square cross-sectional inlet end 16 of same size as an outlet end 17. An even square cross-sectional tubular passage 19 formed by a plurality of flat straight flushable paper walls is between the two ends. The funnel 15 may include at least one bendable tail portion 27 adjacent a portion of the inlet end 16. The tail portion 27 forms a handle to be held by a standing user of a toilet or a funnel dispensing apparatus. The funnel 15 may have additional bendable tail portion 27 extending outwardly adjacent another portion of the inlet end 16. The user may hold the funnel 15 by the tail portions 27 and direct urine into the funnel 15 to channel the urine into the toilet. After the use, the user may drop the funnel 15 into the toilet and flush the toilet. The funnel 15, made of biodegradable material, disintegrates in sewer system. The funnel 15 helps in preventing urine-splatter on and around the toilet. Multiple funnels 15 may be stacked in a regular stack. A funnel 15 may be removed from the stack when needed.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the flushable funnel 15. The funnel 15 has a larger inlet end 16, a smaller outlet end 17, and a passage 19 formed by a plurality of tapered flushable paper walls between the two ends. The funnel 15 may include at least one bendable tail portion 27 adjacent a portion of the inlet end 16. The tail portion 27 forms a handle to be held by a standing user of a toilet or a funnel dispensing apparatus. The funnel 15 may have additional bendable tail portion 27 extending outwardly adjacent another portion of the inlet end 16. The user may hold the funnel 15 by the tail portions 27 and direct urine into the funnel 15 to channel the urine into the toilet. After the use, the user may drop the funnel 15 into the toilet and flush the toilet. The funnel 15, made of biodegradable material, disintegrates in sewer system. The funnel 15 helps in preventing urine-splatter on and around the toilet. Multiple funnels 15 may be placed in a nested stack.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the flushable funnel 15. The funnel 15 has a triangular cross-sectional inlet end 16 of same size as an outlet end 17. An even triangular cross-sectional tubular passage 19 formed by a plurality of straight flushable paper walls is between the two ends. The funnel 15 may include at least one bendable tail portion 27 adjacent a portion of the inlet end 16. The tail portion 27 forms a handle to be held by a standing user of a toilet or a funnel dispensing apparatus. The funnel 15 may have additional bendable tail portion 27 extending outwardly adjacent another portion of the inlet end 16. The user may hold the funnel 15 by the tail portions 27 and direct urine into the funnel 15 to channel the urine into the toilet. After the use, the user may drop the funnel 15 into the toilet and flush the toilet. The funnel 15, made of biodegradable material, disintegrates in sewer system. The funnel 15 helps in preventing urine-splatter on and around the toilet. Multiple funnels 15 may be stacked in a regular stack. A funnel 15 may be removed from the stack when needed.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the flushable funnel 15. The funnel 15 has a round cross-sectional inlet end 16 of same size as an outlet end 17. An even round tubular passage 19 formed by a plurality of curved straight flushable paper walls is between the two ends. The funnel 15 may include at least one bendable tail portion 27 adjacent a portion of the inlet end 16. The tail portion 27 forms a handle to be held by a standing user of a toilet or a funnel dispensing apparatus. The funnel 15 may have additional bendable tail portion 27 extending outwardly adjacent another portion of the inlet end 16. The user may hold the funnel 15 by the tail portions 27 and direct urine into the funnel 15 to channel the urine into the toilet. After the use, the user may drop the funnel 15 into the toilet and flush the toilet. The funnel 15, made of biodegradable material, disintegrates in sewer system. The funnel 15 helps in preventing urine-splatter on and around the toilet. Multiple funnels 15 may be stacked in a regular stack. A funnel 15 may be removed from the stack when needed.

FIG. 6 show a perspective view of the reverse tapered flushable funnels 15 placed in a nested stack the funnels 15. The funnel 15 has a smaller inlet end 16, a larger outlet end 17, and a passage 19 made of a plurality of reverse tapered flushable paper walls between the two ends. Because of the nested stack, the tail portion 27 of each funnel 15 is buried below the next funnel 15 stacked above it. Therefore, the tail portion 27 of only outer most funnel 15 remains exposed to be grasped. So, only one funnel 15 may be removed at a time from the nested stack when needed.

FIG. 7 shows a funnel dispensing apparatus 100 is placed on water tank 205 of a toilet 200. The apparatus 100 comprises a dispenser 11, storage section 22 housing a drawer 21, containers 18L and 18R, fastening device 20L, and fastening device 20R (not showed in FIG. 7). A plurality of the funnels 15 placed in the dispenser 11 to provide a supply of the funnels 15 for users. The drawer 21 stores extra supplies of the funnels 15. Containers 18L and 18R store toilet paper rolls or other supplies. The fastening devices 20L and 20R attach the apparatus to water tank 205 of the toilet 200. FIG. 7 further shows a standing user, ready to urinate, removing a flushable funnel 15 by its tail portions 27 from the dispenser 11.

FIG. 8 shows the user holding the funnel 15 by the tail portions 27 at outlet of his urethra and directing urine into the toilet aperture 207. The apparatus 100 is placed on the water tank 205 of toilet 200. A plurality of the funnels 15 are placed in the dispenser 11 to provide a supply of the funnels 15 for users. The drawer 21 stores extra supplies of the funnels 15. The fastening devices 20L and the fastening device 20R (not showed in FIG. 8) attach the apparatus to water tank 205 of the toilet 200.

FIG. 9 shows the user dropping used funnel 15 into the toilet aperture 207 and flushing the toilet 200. The apparatus 100 is placed on water tank 205 of toilet 200. The fastening devices 20L and the fastening device 20R (not showed in FIG. 9) attach the apparatus to water tank 205 of the toilet 200.

FIG. 10 shows a female user holding the funnel 15 just below the protrusion 43 at larger inlet end 16 of the funnel 15. The user removed a funnel 15 by tail portions 27. The user placed the funnel 15 at outlet of her urethra and directing urine into the toilet aperture 207. The apparatus 100 is placed on the water tank 205 of toilet 200. The fastening devices 20L and the fastening device 20R (not showed in FIG. 8) attach the apparatus to water tank 205 of the toilet 200.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the flushable urinary device made of a flushable funnel 15. The funnel 15 has a larger inlet end 16, a smaller outlet end 17, and a passage 19 formed by a plurality of tapered flushable paper walls between the two ends. The flushable funnel 15 has a protrusion 43 that forms a lip extending outwardly and around the larger inlet end 16. The lip is configured to hold the funnel 15 by a standing user or a funnel dispensing apparatus. The user may hold the funnel 15 below the protrusion 43 and direct urine into the larger inlet end 16 to the smaller outlet end 17 and into the toilet. After the use, the user may drop the funnel 15 into the toilet and flush the toilet. The bio-degradable funnel 15 disintegrates in sewer system. The funnels 15 may be stacked in a nested stack.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a core 32, which may be made from cardboard or other suitable material and thickness. The function of the core 32 is similar to the cardboard core of toilet paper rolls. The core 32 may be disposable or refillable. The cardboard core 32 holds a plurality of tapered funnels 15 in a nested stack.

FIG. 13 shows a partial enlarged view of a tapered flushable funnel 15 held in a hand by a user at the protrusion 43 forming a lip at larger inlet end 16 of the funnel 15.

FIG. 14 shows a partial enlarged view of another embodiment a tapered flushable funnel 15 held in hand by a user by tail portions 27 forming handles at larger inlet end 16 of the funnel 15.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATION AND SCOPE

Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting factor. They are merely as a basis for the claims and as representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the embodiments. The splatter-preventing flushable urinary device for directing urine into a toilet from a standing user provides a more reliable, simple and economical hygienic device. The device may be used by a wide range of people, male and female. The device and the method for directing urine into a toilet from a standing user facilitate urinal function without installing a traditional urinal which requires extra plumbing.

The elements described here can be duplicated or eliminated, changed in size and made in different shapes and colors. They can be connected or associated with adjacent elements in a different manner. They can be made integrally or separately, i.e. modular or in sections. While the above description contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification thereof. Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

DRAWINGS—Reference Numerals  11 dispenser  15 flushable funnel  16 inlet end  17 outlet end  18L container  18R container  19 passage  20L fastening device  20L fastening device  22 storage section  21 drawer  32 core  27 tail portion  44 flange  43 protrusion 200 toilet 100 apparatus 207 toilet aperture 205 water tank 

1. A flushable urinary device for directing urine into a toilet from a standing user, the toilet having an aperture for receiving human waste, comprising: a flushable funnel having an inlet end adapted to register with outlet of urethra of the user, an outlet end adapted to direct urine into the aperture, and a plurality of walls forming a passage between said inlet end and said outlet end; wherein urine is directed from the standing user into said inlet end, flows through said passage and exits said funnel through said outlet end and flows into the aperture; wherein said funnel is made of flushable and bio-degradable material configured to retain its substantial strength and shape temporarily when wetted.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said funnel includes at least one bendable tail portion extending outwardly adjacent a portion of one of the ends; wherein said bendable tail portion forms a handle for being grasped by a user.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein said funnel having transitory surface water repellency to at least one surface of said funnel without impairing the ability of said funnel to be disposed of by flushing.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein said funnel material further comprising a minimum wet strength resin selected from a group comprising melamine formaldehyde, urea formaldehyde, and a neutral cure wet strength material.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the funnel is tapered between the inlet end and the outlet end.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the funnel is part of a nested stack of the funnels.
 7. The device of claim 5, wherein the nested stack is placed on a core.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein a protrusion that forms a lip extending outwardly and around one of the ends of the funnel around said plurality of walls; said lip being configured to hold said funnel in place.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the inlet end is same size as the outlet end.
 10. The device of claim 1, further comprising an apparatus having a dispenser for supply of the funnels and a storage section for extra supplies.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said apparatus having at least one fastening device on exterior of said apparatus for attaching said apparatus to an object.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said apparatus is placed water tank of a toilet.
 13. A method for directing urine into a toilet from a standing user of the toilet, the toilet having an aperture for receiving human waste, comprising: providing a supply of flushable funnels, each of said funnels comprising an inlet end, an outlet end, and a plurality of walls forming a passage between said inlet end and said outlet end; wherein urine is directed from a standing user into said inlet end, flows through said passage and exits said funnel through said outlet end and flows into the toilet aperture; wherein said funnel is made of flushable, bio-degradable material configured to retain its substantial strength and shape temporarily when wetted; removing a flushable funnel from the supply of flushable funnels; suspending the flushable funnel relative to the toilet aperture to provide a path for urine from a standing user to the toilet aperture; directing urine into the suspended funnel to channel the urine into the toilet aperture; releasing the suspended funnel and allowing the funnel to drop into the toilet aperture; and flushing the toilet aperture to flush away the dropped funnel.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of suspending the funnel comprises suspending the funnel by a tail portion.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of suspending the funnel comprises suspending the funnel by a protrusion that forms a lip extending outwardly and around the larger end of the funnel.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of suspending the funnel above the toilet aperture comprises deploying a movable arm; the method further comprising returning the movable arm to a stored position after finishing urination into the suspended funnel to channel the urine into the toilet aperture.
 17. A means for directing urine into a toilet from a standing user, the toilet having an aperture for receiving human waste, comprising: a flushable and biodegradable urine funneling means configured to retain its substantial strength and shape temporarily when wetted.
 18. The funneling means of claim 17 includes at least one bendable tail portion adjacent a portion of one of the ends of said funneling means; wherein said tail portion forms a handle for being grasped by a user.
 19. The funneling means of claim 17 includes a protrusion that forms a lip extending outwardly and around one of the ends of said funneling means; said lip being configured to hold said funnel in place.
 20. The funneling means of claim 17, wherein said means having transitory surface water repellency to at least one surface of said funneling means without impairing the ability of said funneling means to be disposed of by flushing. 